FDA Authorizes Second Covid Booster For Americans 50 And Older

Topline

The Food and Drug Administration Tuesday green-lit a second booster shot of Moderna’s and Pfizer-BioNTech’s Covid-19 vaccine for people ages 50 and older, after data emerged indicating a first booster wanes in effectiveness after three to six months.

A vial of the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine is injected into the arm of a 102-year-old by pharmacist … [+] Heather Learn at Saint Francis Hospital in Roslyn, New York, on January 14, 2021.

Steve Pfost/Newsday RM via Getty Images

Key Facts

The second booster should be administered at least four months after the first, and is the same strength as other Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine doses, though it can be administered following a first booster from any authorized manufacturer, the Food and Drug Administration said in a statement.

People 12 and older with certain kinds of immune disorders will also be eligible for a second booster dose of the Pfizer shot, the FDA said, while those 18 and older who are immunocompromised can receive another Moderna dose.

The updated emergency use authorization is based in part on real-world studies in Israel, which found a second booster improved antibody activity against delta, omicron and other coronavirus variants without revealing any new safety issues.

Crucial Quote

“The FDA’s endorsement of a second booster dose will allow millions of Americans to build and maintain protection against SARS-CoV-2,” said Stéphane Bancel, CEO of Moderna.

Key Background

Pfizer applied for emergency use authorization for a second booster dose for people ages 65 and older on March 15, with Moderna submitting a request on March 17 for a second booster dose for all adults. When considering an emergency use authorization request, the FDA must weigh the potential risks and benefits of a treatment for a particular group. The FDA has usually been quick to approve new shots for older people, who are at greater risk for severe illness and death due to Covid-19. On September 22, the FDA authorized Pfizer’s first booster dose for everyone 65 and older and for younger people at risk of severe symptoms. However, a second booster will probably be necessary for everyone as the omicron variant continues to diminish the effectiveness of the first booster, Bourla told the Washington Post March 10.

Tangent

Older people are already among the most vaccinated in the U.S. About 95% of people 65 and older have received at least one Covid-19 shot compared to 76.9% of the general population, 89% have been fully vaccinated versus 65.5% of Americans overall and 67.2% have received a booster shot compared to 44.8% of the total population, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Big Number

559 million. That’s how many Covid-19 vaccine shots have been administered in the U.S., according to the CDC.